First DIY Tarp - Courtesy of Ripstopbytheroll

[SilvrSurfr]

I took the King Crimson tarp to the Pine Barrens this weekend, but alas, no rain. So I hung it in the backyard to test in today's afternoon thunderstorms. Soon as the rain came, the tarp started sagging so I had to add shock cord tensioners (never used them before 'cause I've never had a silnylon tarp).

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That's the Little Red Rooster matching tablecloth hammock. Together, I call them the Crimson Bordello.

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Here's what it looks like when a one-eyed man tries to sew straight lines. Tie-out reinforcements were made with 7/8 grosgrain; tie-outs with 5/8 grosgrain using Dutch Titanium D-Rings.

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There was a nick in the fabric near the ridgeline so I sewed and seam-sealed 3" x 7" patches on both sides and seam-sealed them.

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A view from the other side.

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[SilvrSurfr]

Many thanks to Kyle from Ripstopbytheroll for providing the free silnylon. I never would have attempted a tarp were it not for his offer. Once he sent me the fabric I knew I was making a tarp whether I wanted to or not (part of the promotion of new silnylon colors).

So far no leakage but I wouldn't expect any since I seam-sealed the heck out of the ridgeline on both sides. I'm going to make another tarp in the next couple of weeks and I'll bet it takes me 1/4 the time this one took.

Thanks again, Ripstopbytheroll!

[yooz85]

Looks great SS.Not sure if I missed it, but did you get a weight on it?

[Floridahanger]

You made a wonderfully brite looking tarp, right there.

I like the Crimson Bordello. It's a bright color, but, not neon. A subdued red, even.

The next tarp, if you use the 7/8 grosgrain or 1 1/2" if you got it, you can easily make a tarp without useing seamseal. You can put the tarp sides together and sew them to hold in place. Then, fold the grosgrain in half and pin around the edge you just sewed. Now sew the grosgrain "sandwich" in place and your done. The grosgrain is on the outside of tarp and it supports the strain of the thread, instead of the sil material, to keep from ripping the seam.

Looking forward to pics of the Bordello in the wild.

[SilvrSurfr]

Looks great SS.Not sure if I missed it, but did you get a weight on it?

Right now the tarp is in the backyard thunderstorm testing lab. Seems to be passing the "Will It Keep Me Dry" test with flying colors.

Once it dries out I'll take it to the post office and weigh it. I would imagine it will weigh 11 to 13 ounces.

[Silvertip47203]

Very nice job SS. One day I want to make all my own gear.

[Mouseskowitz]

Looks like it works and looks good doing it. I second the suggestion to try the grosgrain ridge. I would recommend sewing the halves together and then adding the grosgrain on top, I didn't have to seam rip that like I did when I tried to put everything together at once.

[SilvrSurfr]

Tarp passed the first night of thunderstorms with flying colors. Another three inches of rain tonight, after which I will pronounce the tarp a success.

[hk2001]

How spot on were your curves? I've gone through enough cardboard to pack a house, and I keep messing up the curve... I *had* a wooden one.. but I have no idea where that's gone to.

[SilvrSurfr]

How spot on were your curves? I've gone through enough cardboard to pack a house, and I keep messing up the curve... I *had* a wooden one.. but I have no idea where that's gone to.

I think the cat cuts came out fine using cardboard as a template. I nailed the cardboard onto a wall, then used Zing-It to trace the cat cuts (was thinking about mason's line but it's too stretchy and might distort).

I have a lot to learn about cutting silnylon - I bought new scissors but cheap ones. I'm probably gonna invest in a $20 pair next time.